Providing an Entrepreneurship Competency Framework for Education of Teenagers in Schools with a Sustainable Development Approach

Objective In today's world, entrepreneurship plays a pivotal role in enhancing the skills and capabilities of adolescents in educational institutions. Given the critical role of entrepreneurship in sustainable development, the main objective of this study is to present a competency framework for entrepreneurship education for adolescents in schools, aligned with a sustainable development approach. This research aims to identify and define the key competencies needed to foster entrepreneurial spirit and abilities in adolescents. Strengthening these competencies can prepare adolescents for future economic and social challenges and contribute meaningfully to sustainable development. Methods This study is qualitative and based on an interpretivist paradigm. To collect data, a meta-synthesis method was employed, involving a comprehensive and systematic analysis of relevant research literature. Articles published between 2000 and 2024 were reviewed. A systematic exclusion sampling technique was used to finalize the selection of articles, resulting in 12 studies being chosen as the core focus of this research. These selected articles include research that explores entrepreneurial competencies and their impact on adolescents within educational settings. Results The analysis of the selected articles led to the identification of three key competency categories: general competencies, managerial competencies, and specific competencies. General competencies include abilities such as creative thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making, which form the foundational pillars of entrepreneurship. Managerial competencies encompass skills related to resource management, organization, and leadership, which are essential for success in entrepreneurial processes. Specific competencies refer to the technical skills and specialized knowledge required for entrepreneurial activities in various fields. Each of these competencies has been clearly defined and described, contributing to the development of entrepreneurial spirit and abilities in adolescents. Additionally, these competencies play a significant role in promoting sustainable development through educational programs. Conclusion The findings of this study can be used to design and develop effective educational programs aimed at enhancing entrepreneurial competencies among adolescents, with a focus on sustainable development. This research emphasizes the importance of entrepreneurship as an empowering tool in the lives of adolescents and underlines the necessity of integrating entrepreneurship-related education into school curricula. Overall, the study provides a foundation for educational policy-making and the design of impactful programs in the field of entrepreneurship education aligned with sustainable development goals. Finally, the research results demonstrate that the identified competencies can help train a new generation of capable entrepreneurs equipped with sustainability-oriented skills. Implementing this model can support teenagers in achieving success not only in business but also in personal growth and long-term sustainability. In general, this research, by providing a comprehensive and practical model for teaching entrepreneurship to adolescents, lays the groundwork for the development of the skills and attributes necessary for success in today's complex and evolving world. Based on these findings, appropriate educational structures and content can be developed to improve the level of core competencies among adolescents to promote entrepreneurship. Additionally, this research recommends that educational institutions introduce interactive and project-based educational programs to foster general competencies such as innovative thinking and emotional intelligence. These programs may include hands-on workshops, group activities, and role-playing scenarios that encourage students to generate creative ideas and solve real-world problems. Furthermore, techniques such as discussions and case analysis can be effective in strengthening critical thinking and emotional intelligence.